On Sky
Two form teams face of at the Madejski Stadium as Reading take on Burnley in play-off push encounter. With this game the Royals’ game in hand, if they were to win it would take them up to third in the Championship table, just two points off second placed Southampton.
Manager’s quotes:
Reading boss Brian McDermott – ‘There`s a winner`s mentality in our dressing room and we will need that between now and the end of the season. We have experienced players and those that are young and learning the game. Through the season you have to build a group of people who know how to win and that`s what we`ve tried to do.’
Burnley manager Eddie Howe – ‘When you come to this stage of the season, with the position that we`re in, these are great games. It`s an important game for us because we`re playing a team just above us, and we can close the game not only on Reading but the other teams in and around us as well.’
Reading Team News:
Reading are going to be without captain Jobi McAnuff after he has a groin problem. Defenders Andy Griffin & Shaun Cummings are also out with injury, as well as striker Simon Church, who admitted on his Twitter account that he rolled his ankle in training.
Player to watch: Noel Hunt
The Irish international scored his first goal since November against Derby on Tuesday night and will be keen to add to his tally tonight, after a decent partnership seeming to form with Jason Roberts.
Burnley Team News:
Defender Kieran Trippier is a major doubt with a back problem. Young midfielder Junior Stanislas is unlikely to be fit enough after only just returning from a long-term injury, while striker Martin Paterson will face a late fitness test.
Player to watch: Jay Rodriguez
The England U21 international is on hot form this season, scoring 18 goals already this season. A good all-round striker with a great finish.
Reverse fixture:
Burnley 0 – 1 Reading
Karacan (90+7)
Ref Watch:
Tonight’s referee will be Mr. Darren Deadman.
Match Prediction:
It will be a tough game against Eddie Howe’s side but as long as we nullify their attacking threat, we should come out on top. 1-0 win.
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Middlesbrough (A) – Saturday 25th February – nPower Championship
Burnley – Millwall (H) – Saturday 25th February – nPower Championship
Burnley can be beaten as we showed on Saturday, and I expect you to beat them tonight. If you do it will make it very hard for them to climb back into the fight for the top places. You win and you’re only 2 points behind us which is a bit close for comfort for me.